Special touches for a toddler's first trip

[Honeybee83]

OK Disaholics. DH and I are taking our little girl (our only for now) to THE WORLD in September. We have a QS dining plan, are staying at All Star Music, memory maker, using disney transportation, and 9 day w/ park hopper tickets. We will probably be doing a character meal at both Crystal Palace to meet pooh and friends, and Akershus to meet some princesses. I thought I'd bring a picture matte to each for the characters to sign so we have a special "picture frame" for each experience.

Any other ideas to give her some special memories? I'd love to have it be a great experience for her too (though mostly, this trip is for DH and I to remember and cherish as she sees the magic for the first time). Were there any things you did with your toddler that made your trip extra special? Anything you learned about afterward that you wished you had done?

Thanks in advance!

 

[brandigregory]

What age will she be when you go? We did 1900 Park Fare our first night last summer wearing a Belle dress and DD was in awe and love! We also did the Backyard BBQ and she freaking loved the party and dancing...complete with Eskimo kiss from Mickey! Hollywood and Vine lunch with Disney Junior is also terrific for toddlers. Took my DD the first time at 18 mo for 6 park days and again last July for 2 park days (MK only) at 33mo. Headed back in Sept for 8 nights! If under age 2 be prepared for fear of costumed characters...DD punched goofy on her first trip but held his hands dancing on our last trip!

 

[Honeybee83]

What age will she be when you go? We did 1900 Park Fare our first night last summer wearing a Belle dress and DD was in awe and love! We also did the Backyard BBQ and she freaking loved the party and dancing...complete with Eskimo kiss from Mickey! Hollywood and Vine lunch with Disney Junior is also terrific for toddlers. Took my DD the first time at 18 mo for 6 park days and again last July for 2 park days (MK only) at 33mo. Headed back in Sept for 8 nights! If under age 2 be prepared for fear of costumed characters...DD punched goofy on her first trip but held his hands dancing on our last trip!

Awwww. That's funny! Poor Goofy. She will be 2 1/2 in September when we go. What is the backyard BBQ I've never heard of that?

 

[brandigregory]

It is at Ft Wilderness campground and it is a blast! Lots of nay Sayers out here about it but I found it to be a tremendous value for the memories we made. I thought the food was really good, the beer tasty and the entertainment wonderful!

 

[insectreflection]

Anybody been to the BBQ party over Christmas? Would like to take the kids, but not if it's too cold ...

 

[Sparkly]

She's 2, she'll love everything. It'll be more then special enough without anything else.

 

[Maggie at the Fort]

We have gone with once with a 19 month old, and again with a 3.5 year old and a 1 year old. Both times the Hoop dee doo was biggest hit. Also anything that had music was a hit. Especially parades or street performers when she could just relax and enjoy. Taking the time to enjoy little things like the drums they can bang on in Epcot's world showcase or the light up pavement near Epcot's entrance. The times we slowed down and let them blow off steam were so important.

Another great option is the chip and dale sing a long at the campground. If you can do that then go down to the beach and watch the MK fireworks and electrical water parade. For a toddler, the fireworks without the loud noises and with some space to move around and play in the sand are extra magical!

 

[lovetogowdw]

Keep a swimsuit for her with you! There are various little splash spots in the parks and my kids liked just splashing around any time they got the chance at that age.

And seek out all of the playgrounds and play spots. Great photos at Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground from that age, too.

Totally agree on Chip and Dale's campfire for a toddler. What a great spot. Check the schedule for the time period you are there and find a movie that will be a hit.

 

[minniemumma]

Following - taking my will be 3 on the trip DD. The matte for the frames is a fantastic idea!

 

[puffkin]

I would be really hesitant to plan a lot of special things for her at that age. Just being in Disney and touring the parks will be magical for her. The worst thing is to over book things, or rush around or "force" the magic. The biggest advice I can give people taking toddlers is to just let the trip happen. Trust me, it will and the magic will find you when you are least expecting it.

I think character meals are a great thing when they are little. Especially if they aren't 3 yet, so they are still free. You need to eat anyway, so it kind of kills two birds with one stone. You get the character interaction and cute pics and food. Saves time and energy from waiting in line in the parks. I agree too about having a swim suit in your bag for all the water play areas you stumble across. But other than that, I wouldn't plan a whole lot of extras.

Oh, and a little tip. My toddlers always LOVED the tattoos at Disney. I always got one at the beginning of the trip for them and lasted at least the whole week, but usually much longer. They would show EVERYONE. They are pretty inexpensive and it saved us from the pesting for face painting and stuff (plus its a lot cooler and more comfortable for them). Also made for some cute pics when they would show the characters, especially if the character was on the tattoo.

 

[ateam79828592]

Our kids are 6 months, 4, 5.5 & 9. We have gone every September for the last 5 years (except last year we sat out due to baby on the way). It say that only to let you know that I've done Disney with toddlers a lot in the last few years.

My recommendation would be to keep plans to a minimum...go at her pace. Let her enjoy what she'd like - for my sister at age 2.5 it was the "moving stairs" (escalators), my boys it was the various trains ("up train" (monorail), "slow train" (MK train), and "fast train" (thunder mountain)). Part of the magic of that age is that they see magic is the smallest things! So sweet!

I would take LOTS of pictures and when you get home make 2 photo books. Make one that is special for you/your husband to keep. And make one that is kid friendly that your daughter can play and look at whenever she'd like. Having those pictures will help reinforce those memories for her so they last a lot longer.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

We took our daughter for her first trip just before she turned three, and she loved it.

I second the bathing suit and putting her in shoes that can get wet. Also make time to visit the playgrounds at different resorts, the one at FW is one of the best.

Like others have said, going at her pace makes things much more enjoyable, since there may be times she just needs a break. Also if she'll sleep in the stroller then you guys can take advantage of the time to explore as adults.

We think you made great choices on your character meals, they were our daughter's two favorites when she was almost four, but she wasn't as into characters at two. It'll still be a fun experience though.

 

[It's A Happy Day]

I think you've aready hit the nail on the head with your thoughts that this trip is about you & DH remembering it vs. a trip for her... I agree with PP on this subject to just let her dictate the trip. The 1st trip we took with the kids, I stated over & over that they dictated where we went - if they needed a rest, we rested; if we wanted to go right and they wanted left, we went left.

Some of the things I loved doing with the kids when they were that small...
- If you can make an ADR for the Crystal Palace breakfast for 1st thing in the morning so you can go into the park before it opens to the GP, do it. You can get pictures of her on Main Street/in front of the castle without all the crowds!
- An obvious one but have to mention - stroller, stroller, stroller!
- Another obvious one but needs to be said.... make sure you have your camera, batteries, more batteries, and more than 1 memory card. Be ready to take pictures at a moments notice. Take pictures of the good, the bad and the ugly! Why do I say it that way you ask.... well DD3 pitched a fit on the Ferry - she didn't like boats and didn't want to be on it. Stomped feet, arms crossed, puss on face. So what did I do, I snapped a bunch of pictures! That was one of the memorable events on that trip and it's hysterical to look back at that/those pictures - even though it wasn't all happy go lucky. DD now 12 even laughs about it.
- Plan on doing something low key mid-day/when she is used to napping. Some people like going back to their resort for a nap midday, we were never a fan of leaving the park and going back in but that was because we usually go off season and park hours are shorter. Some of the movie type stuff or shows are good for this... Hall of presidents, jungle cruise, Liberty Square Riverboat. Both kids would crash in the stroller for awhile and we would browse the shops, get something to eat, or just tuck ourselves off to the side for a little bit so they weren't so frazzled.
- She's a little girl so I'm gonna say it... Bibbidi, Bobbidi, Boutique - princess your girl up! I did it the "cheap" way with DD and bought her the Cinderalla dress, tiara, glitter for her hair, etc. before our trip but the pictures we got on the trip of DD in front of the castle, with Cinderella & Fairy Godmother are priceless! (She was Cinderella & DS was Dash from the incredibles for Halloween that year & we did the Halloween party at WDW)
- Look at a souvenier that you can do with both your daughter and future children (if your planning on having more down the road). We did the silhouette cutouts on Main Street (both kids) and they are hanging on the wall at home.
- Realize that your DD may or may not interact with characters. Some kids will only interact with the "human" characters vs ones like Mickey, Minnie etc. Also it could be just the appearance, colors, demeanor of some so don't rule out ALL characters if she balks at the 1st one.

Most of all... have fun & enjoy the trip! You will have so many sweet memories to last you forever! DH & I still talk about those moments and it's been more than 10 years since that 1st trip!

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Also wanted to mention - for your photo mats (and anything else you have characters sign) - make sure you have your own sharpie/writing instrument, preferably something fat like a sharpie so the characters like Mickey can easily hold onto it.

You mentioned the mats for character meals but you also might want to consider pre-purchasing an autograph book from your local craft store to use for park signatures - I've known many people to limit 1 signature to 1 page so that they could put a picture of the event with it. Have the book open and ready for them.

 

[disneywithbaby]

Can I ask what size mat frame do most people carry around? Do you just leave it in your bag/stroller with the sharpie and whip it out when you see a character? I have two little ones so I think this is a cute idea to have them sign them then put a photo in the frame when we get back home, just wondering if a mat for 8x10 picture is normal?

 

[Honeybee83]

Can I ask what size mat frame do most people carry around? Do you just leave it in your bag/stroller with the sharpie and whip it out when you see a character? I have two little ones so I think this is a cute idea to have them sign them then put a photo in the frame when we get back home, just wondering if a mat for 8x10 picture is normal?

I think a wide 8x10 would be good. That was also why we booked the two character meals, so we would have only two days where we would have the photo mattes in the stroller.

 

[Aliceacc]

I'm not sure you have to seek out any "special touches" to give your daughter the time of her life. I'm sure she'll have a wonderful time -- along with a tantrum or two--with the vacation you've planned.

I would look for some of the hidden things that make WDW so very cool, like the fountain at Innovations in Epcot that dances in time to the music, the parades, and other things that too many people overlook.

Take a look here for some ideas:
http://allears.net/tp/ep/issue330.htm
http://allears.net/tp/ep/issue333.htm

Also, be on guard against overwhelming her-- there will be times when the family will have the most fun by simply calling it a day and heading back for a swim.

Know that many kids are frightened by the characters... perhaps plan your first character meal to be one with princesses (who don't wear any sort of a mask)-- take a look at Aukerhaus in Norway (Epcot) or dinner at 1900 Park Fare.

 

[baseballnut]

We LOVED the Chef Mickey breakfast at Contemporary. It was a great buffet and very entertaining, more so than the others (we also did the two you'll do, this was our fave). Fab five characters; I highly recommend.

Wearing princess dresses was probably my then almost 3 Dd's fave part. Also I loaded up on cheap Disney accessories like necklaces and socks. Pulled out the necklaces during lines, etcetera. Actually her Ariel phone was her fave!

Also watch the Disney movies with the different characters you'll see before you go. And reading Disney books. My dd was so excited to see them in person.

And dollar store glow wands were a big hit at night. Especially when things were quiet at night in Epcot.

 

[krista113]

My DS 3 loved the CP breakfast we had a reservation at 8:05 and it was perfect to have a great breakfast, meet some characters, hit MK for a couple hours, and go back for a nap when it started to get too hot.

 

[Chrispygal]

I have to say that I second the idea of getting a silhoutte picture done. We had one done at her first trip at 8.5mo and it's hanging in my bedroom now. Bought the frame and all and thought it was very reasonable. It is one of my personal favorite things as it catches a moment in time.

I also took DD at 19 months and it was a fun trip - I can see how 2.5 will be even more fun! I agree that the things she loved most were the "magical" things about Disney. The street performers on Main St, the Dapper Dan's, the parades for sure, and she LOVED watching the stage show at Disney from the side - less crowded and she could stand on the fence like a big girl. She loved the train set in Germany, and loved, loved, loved Mickey and Friends! She was petrified of the princesses, but did wonderfully with the characters. Go figure. I think planning a couple character meals will be great and maybe try one or two key princess meets to see how she does (fast pass for sure though!).

My favorite thing for our past two trips has been dressing DD up like snow white (she has brown hair and blue eyes) and then meeting Snow White in Germany. These are by far my favorite pictures and we will dress her up like Snow every trip we do in the future (well, until she makes us stop). I think little things like this will be fun for you and DH to experience and also something for her look back at and get excited over.

I agree too that you should be careful not to plan too much. Everything about Disney will be so magical to your DD - just let her be in the moment. I had the best time watching her enjoy the little things.

*Sigh* You are making me want to go back NOW!


EDIT: our Snow White pictures.